Maryland Judge Suspends Deportation of Women Held in Baltimore ICE 'Inhumane' Conditions

A federal class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of two Maryland women, originally from Guatemala and El Salvador, who were detained by ICE in Baltimore under inhumane conditions that violated ICE's own policies. Both women, who had lived in Maryland lawfully for years and had protection from deportation, were held in Baltimore ICE holding rooms for multiple days—far exceeding the 12-hour limit—without proper medical care, food, bedding, or the ability to contact family. One woman suffered a panic attack and was denied medical examination, while the other, with a thyroid condition, was not administered her medication. A federal judge has ordered ICE not to deport the women while the case proceeds, emphasizing that the ruling applies only to them and is not a national injunction. Attorneys argue the detentions reflect a broader problematic ICE policy of detain-first enforcement leading to systemic rights violations and overcrowded, unconstitutional conditions. The case continues to highlight concerns about prolonged detentions in facilities not designed for long-term holding, with advocates calling for urgent reforms.